But there is a limit: a study at the Color Usage Research Lab on how the brain processes flashing light showed that our eyes respond best to lights that flash between four and eight hertz (cycles per second). “It’s the contrast that catches our attention more than if they were just on continuously.”Ī 2018 study on emergency lighting conducted by Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association also concluded that faster flash rates draw more attention than slower flash rates. However, when light enters the eye in flashes, it activates those photoreceptors repeatedly and can activate more of them. According to Heather Nenov, an ophthalmologist from Stein Optometric Center, light entering the eye at a consistent brightness activates photoreceptors at the back of the eye.

On the other hand, research shows that solid light isn’t as good at capturing our attention, making it a less optimal setting for a taillight or a be-seen headlight. “Continuous lighting sources are less jarring than blinking lights,” says Ryan Young, youth-programs coordinator at the Cascade Bicycle Club. It’s also excellent for making you visible to other road users, while not distracting others and delivering constant information about your location. A solid white light is hands down a cyclist’s best option for seeing the road ahead at night. Most lights have several settings, ranging from solid to flashing to pulsing, often at various speeds.

“To-see lights are much brighter, illuminating the road or trail ahead.” There’s obviously some crossover between the two. “Be-seen lights are just bright enough so nearby motorists or pedestrians can see you,” says Andrew Ibanez, a sales representative at the bike-lights company Cygolite. They’re not just for night riding, either: though not legally required, daytime running lights can also help to catch a motorist’s eye in broad daylight (more on that later).īicycle lights are broken into two categories: lights to see and lights to be seen. One of the most effective ways to ensure this? Bike lights. While no amount of safety gear can protect you from a distracted or drunk driver, being visible on the road at night can help you avoid being struck by attentive drivers. than at any other time-nearly 40 percent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more bicycle fatalities occur between 6 P.M.

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